Jan 21, 1927-Nov 12, 2023
In her 97th year, Brenda, “Mom”, “Gran”, “Great-Gran”, has passed into eternity, tenaciously defying the odds.
Acquiring an iPad at the age of 87 she prided herself in the title “Cyber-Gran”, communicating with friends and family, and being a great bird-lover, she requested a sign for her door saying “Cyber-Gran’s Aviary” to celebrate her succession of various birds.
She will be tremendously missed by her 2 children Greg and Tenley (Barry Kelly), grandchildren Alison (Jed Dix), Tina (Paul Wardlaw), Adam (Millie Dayaram), Alex (Carly Vienneau) and Andrew(Drew) Kelly (Audrey Bernard) and great-grandchildren Isabelle and Tobias Dix. Brenda will also be dearly missed by Gloria Thurston, many nieces, nephews, and special friends, Carole Stone, Andrea Douglas, Loraine Smith, Joan Burrows and Mary Roughley.
Brenda was predeceased by parents Cornelius Andrew Borrie and Euphemia (nee Lorange), her husband Ronald Purdy, siblings Cornelius Ward Borrie ( survived Stella (Des) Borrie) Alice (Hank Grabarz) and she joins granddaughter Kelly Dawn.
Born and married in Montreal, moving to Calgary, AB, then Toronto, ON, Burlington, ON, Cobourg, ON, Brenda devoted herself over the years to a variety of volunteer roles, including The United Church, Cubs and Scouts, The Burlington Synchronized Swim Club, Engineers’ Wives, The Cobourg Historical Society and she achieved national recognition with “Hi Neighbour”, welcoming new members to the community of Cobourg, ON. After her husband Ron passed, she moved to Newmarket, to be closer to family. At the time of her passing Brenda was, one of the only original Amica resident remaining. She enjoyed a long life there. The family thanks the staff for their devotion, care, support and friendship especially during the last few challenging months.
A celebration of Brenda’s life will be held for immediate family in Montreal with interment at Mount Royal Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to Sharon Hope United Church or Southlake Regional Hospital.
Arrangements entrusted to Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home